Modular communication device and system

ABSTRACT

The technology disclosed herein relates to a modular communication device and a system. The modular communication device has a speaker carrier and an electronics module. The speaker carrier has a speaker and an attachment portion, and the electronics module has a wireless transceiver. The speaker carrier and the electronics module are detachably coupled so that the electronics module provides audio signals to the speaker when the speaker carrier and electronics module are coupled. The speaker carrier can be removed from and attached to the electronic module. In one embodiment, the system generally has two or more modular communication devices and a base station that allows communication between the modular communication devices.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the technology disclosed herein relates to a communicationsystem. More particularly, the technology disclosed herein relates to acommunication system having a modular communication device.

BACKGROUND

Intercom headsets used in quick service restaurant establishments sufferfrom high use in a relatively hostile environment. There is little to nomaintenance for these products provided at the restaurants and they areexpected to survive anywhere from five to ten years. One reliabilityissue suffered from the existing products is mechanical breakage. Mostrepairs to these products are mechanical in nature, particularlyregarding the headband and microphone boom. The current repair solutionis to send the headset to a repair facility where it is repaired andthen returned to the customer. This process can take one week or longerand can be costly to the customer both in repair cost and lost use time.It is estimated that any given headset will need to be repaired twotimes during its useful life, once during the warranty period, and onceoutside of the warranty period. The repairs can be costly to themanufacturer during the warranty period and to the customer outside ofthe warranty period.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein generally relates to a communicationsystem that two or more modular communication devices. Each modularcommunication device has a speaker carrier having a speaker and anattachment portion, where the attachment portion is configured to attachto a user. Each modular communication device has an electronics modulewith a housing and a wireless transceiver disposed in the housing. Thespeaker carrier and the housing of the electronics module are detachablycoupled such that the wireless transceiver of the electronics module andthe speaker of the speaker carrier are detachably coupled. A basestation has a wireless transceiver that enables communication betweenthe two or more modular communication devices.

The technology disclosed herein also relates to a modular communicationdevice having a speaker carrier, an electronics module, and a user inputdevice for changing a channel of a wireless transceiver. The speakercarrier has a speaker and an attachment portion, and the electronicsmodule has a wireless transceiver. The speaker carrier and theelectronics module are detachably coupled so that the electronics moduleprovides audio signals to the speaker when the speaker carrier andelectronics module are coupled. The speaker carrier can be removed fromand attached to the electronic module.

The technology disclosed herein also relates to an electronics modulehaving a housing with one or more mating electrical contacts on a matingsurface, where the mating surface is configured to receive a speakercarrier. A controller is disposed in the housing, wherein the controlleris in communication with the one or more mating electrical contacts. Anauthentication protocol in communication with the controller, and isconfigured to authenticate the speaker carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a modular communication device, consistent with thetechnology disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a partially exploded view of the modular communicationdevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of an example implementation of a communicationsystem consistent with the technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is another embodiment of a modular communication device,consistent with the technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 depicts a partially-exploded view of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic of example circuitry consistent with thetechnology disclosed herein.

The invention may be more completely understood and appreciated inconsideration of the following detailed description of variousembodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technology generally relates to modular communication devices in acommunication system. The modular communication device generally has aspeaker carrier and an electronics module. The electronics modulecouples to the speaker carrier to achieve device functionality. Thespeaker carrier has a speaker and an attachment portion, where theattachment portion can attach to a device user or a structure inproximately to the device user. The electronics module houses at least awireless transceiver. The electronics module and the speaker carrierdetachably couple, which detachably puts the speaker and the wirelesstransceiver into communication with each other so that the speaker willplay audio information received by the wireless transceiver. In oneembodiment, the speaker carrier also includes a microphone.

When a communication device such a headset is used in a relativelyfast-paced quick service restaurant environment, it may be subjected torough handling and lack any maintenance on site. One reliability issuefrequently suffered by existing headset devices in restaurants ismechanical breakage of the headband, speaker, microphone boom or morethan one of these. The use of a modular communication device allows foreasy replacement of the more vulnerable speaker carrier, which mayinclude a headband and a microphone boom. A damaged speaker carrier canbe easily detached from the electronics module containing the wirelesstransceiver. A replacement speaker carrier can then be attached to theelectronics module, resulting in a fully functional unit without thetime and expense of sending a communication device off-site fordisassembly and repair.

The electronics module, which contains the more expensive and complexelectronics components, such as the transceiver, can include a robusthousing. The speaker carrier, which can be easily replaced, can beprovided at a lower cost to reduce the overall cost of the product. Themodular communication device also enables changes between differentconfigurations of the device, such from a headset with one speaker and amicrophone, a headset with two speakers and a microphone, a headset withone speaker and no microphone, and a headset with two speakers and nomicrophone. The speaker carrier provides the speaker or speakers, amicrophone if appropriate and an attachment device, so that differentconfigurations of speaker carriers can be attached to an electronicsmodule.

In one embodiment, an authentication protocol can be used between theelectronics module and the speaker carrier. In one embodiment, two ormore modular communication devices can be incorporated in a system witha base station to enable audio communication between the modularcommunication devices. Many additional embodiment options are discussed,and it should be understood that each feature and component describedcan be combinable each of the different embodiments.

Some examples of the modular communication device have been described asbeing used in quick service restaurants. But the modular communicationdevice described herein is contemplated for use in many differentenvironments where communication is needed, such as the sidelines ofsporting events, warehouses, museums, tour groups and vocationaltraining.

FIG. 1 depicts an assembled view of an example modular communicationdevice, and FIG. 2 depicts a partially exploded view of the examplemodular communication device of FIG. 1. Generally, the communicationdevice 100 has a speaker carrier 110 and an electronics module 120. Thespeaker carrier 110 and the electronics module 120 are coupled toachieve functionality of the communication device 100. It iscontemplated that the speaker carrier 110 couples to a plurality ofelectronics modules having varying configurations to achieve variancesin functionality. Likewise, the electronics module 120 couples to avariety of speaker carriers 110 to achieved variances in functionality.Furthermore, it is envisioned that, if the need or desire arises, eitherthe speaker carrier 110 or the electronics module 120 can be replacedwithout replacing the other of the speaker carrier 110 or theelectronics module 120.

The speaker carrier 110 has a speaker 112 and an attachment portion 114,where the attachment portion 114 is generally configured to attach to astructure. The structure can be a device user or a particular location,as examples, although in the current embodiment, the attachment portion114 is configured to be received by the head of the device user. Assuch, in the current embodiment the attachment portion 114 defines apartial inner annular surface 210 that is configured rest over a user'shead, and an ear rest 220 configured to rest above a user's ear.

In some embodiments the attachment portion of the speaker carrier isconfigured to attach to a user's belt, or otherwise be attached to theuser's waist or hip area. In yet another embodiment the speaker carrieris configured to attach to a user's neck. In yet another embodiment thespeaker carrier is configured to attach to a user's wrist. In anotherembodiment the speaker carrier is a lanyard. In embodiments where thespeaker carrier is configured to attach to a particular location, theparticular location could be a counter, wall, desk, chair, and so on. Insuch embodiments a mounting component can be coupled to the desiredattachment location of the speaker carrier, and the speaker carrier isselectively mounted to, and dismounted from, the mounting component.Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the attachmentportion of the speaker carrier can be configured to attach to a varietyof different locations in a variety of different ways that are known inthe art.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the attachment portion 114 of thespeaker carrier 110 defines a speaker mount 244 that coupled to thespeaker 112 and a receiving surface 240 that is configured to receive amating surface of the electronics module 120. A mating groove 242defined by the receiving surface 240 of the attachment portion 114 isconfigured to detachably couple to the mating surface (not visible fromthis view) of the electronics module 120. The mating groove 242additionally can define electrical contacts that are configured tocontact mating electrical contacts exposed on the mating surface of theelectronics module 120. The speaker carrier 110 additionally has amicrophone 116 disposed on a microphone boom 118. In the embodimentshown in the drawings, the microphone 116 is positioned in anintermediate portion of the microphone boom 118. In another embodimentthe microphone is disposed on the distal end of the microphone boom 118,where the distal end of the boom is the end furthest away from theheadset. The boom 118 can be constructed of a variety of materialsincluding metal, plastics, and so on. In one embodiment the boom 118 isconstructed of aluminum. In some embodiments the boom is pivotablerelative to the speaker.

In at least one embodiment the microphone 116 is an array of two or moremicrophones. Such microphones can be configured to exclude certain audiosignals, such as audio signals that are received by the microphone at aparticular angle, for example. In those embodiments, a processor can beused in conjunction with the microphones to achieve a noise-cancellingaffect. In another embodiment the microphone 116 is a single microphone.Those having skill in the art will appreciate the variety of types ofmicrophones that can be used consistently with the technology disclosedherein.

In some embodiments, the electronics module is configured to attach toand detach from the speaker carrier without the use of tools, utilizinga mechanical snap-fit connection. In some embodiments, a latch releaseis provided on the electronics module or the speaker carrier to be usedto release the parts from engagement. In some embodiments, a simple toollike a screwdriver or a small wrench is used to detach and attach theelectronics module and the speaker carrier.

It will be appreciated that speaker carriers consistent with thetechnology disclosed herein can have a variety of configurationsdepending on the needs of the system users. As such, speaker carriersconsistent with the technology disclosed herein can be applicable to avariety of different industries. In some embodiments, the speakercarrier has a microphone, but in other embodiments the speaker carrierdoes not have a microphone. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, thespeaker carrier 110 has a single speaker 112, but in a variety ofembodiments, the speaker carrier has two speakers. The speaker carriercan further have status lights and a circuit board, where the circuitboard can have a microcontroller and, in at least one embodiment, anauthentication protocol (SHA-1 protocol, etc.) that either queries theelectronics module for an authentication response or provides anauthentication response to the electronics module. The speaker carriercan also have a user input device to, for example, modify user settingssuch as volume, operating channel, and the like.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the communication device 100 also hasthe electronics module 120. The electronics module 120 generally has thecircuitry required to drive devices of the speaker carrier 110. Theelectronics module 120 also defines a user input device 124 that isconfigured to receive commands from a user such as, for example,changing the volume or operating channel of the wireless transceiver.The electronics module 120 is configured to electrically communicatewith a battery 122 to provide power to the device 100. In the embodimentof FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronics module 120 has a housing 126 that isconfigured to slidably receive the battery 122. A contact point 128 onthe battery transmits electric potential to the electronics module 120.The housing 126 is configured to attach and detach easily from thespeaker carrier 110.

With regard to the circuitry of the electronics module 120, although notvisible in the current embodiment, the electronics module 120 has atleast a wireless transceiver in communication with the speaker and themicrophone of the speaker carrier when the speaker carrier is attachedto the electronics module. Other components of the speaker carrier thatcan be driven by the electronics module include status lights such asLEDs and the authentication protocol. In some embodiments theelectronics module has status lights in addition to or instead of thespeaker carrier, in which case the electronics module would have statuslights and driving electronic circuitry. Contrary to FIGS. 1 and 2, insome embodiments the electronics module has a microphone instead of thespeaker carrier.

With regard to the authentication protocol mentioned above, theelectronics device can include an authentication protocol with anauthentication challenge or response algorithm. The authenticationfunction can ensure that system components are manufactured to reliablyfunction together.

Additional circuitry in the electronics module can include multimediaplayback memory, such as audio recording memory and/or video recordingmemory, and a computer-readable data storage interface, such as aUniversal Serial Bus (USB). The wireless transceiver is a radiofrequency transceiver in one embodiment. Examples of radio communicationprotocols that can be used include a wireless local area network usingIEEE 802.11 standards, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and Digital Enhanced CordlessTelecommunications (DECT) and Worldwide Digital CordlessTelecommunications (WDCT). In another embodiment the wirelesstransceiver is consistent with other forms of wireless transmission andcombinations of forms of wireless transmission. The electronics moduleis generally detachably coupled to the speaker carrier such that thespeaker driver and the speaker are also detachably coupled. The speakercarrier and the electronics module are detachably coupled so that theelectronics module provides audio signals to the speaker when thespeaker carrier and electronics module are coupled.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of an example implementation of a communicationsystem consistent with the technology disclosed herein. The exampleimplementation is consistent with an ordering communication system for aquick service restaurant. An establishment has order placing equipment14, typically a communication post associated with or near a menu board,placed near a drive-through ordering lane which customers may approachin their vehicles and verbally order directly from their vehicle usingthe order placing equipment 14.

The order placing equipment 14 is coupled in communication with basestation 16 typically located in the establishment using a firstcommunication link 18. The first communication link 18 can be hard-wiredor can be a wireless communication link. The base station 16communicates wirelessly with a plurality of modular communicationdevices 20 a, 20 b . . . 20 n on a second communication link 22. Assuch, the base station 16 generally has a wireless transceiver. Modularcommunication devices 20 a, 20 b . . . 20 n are generally attached inproximity to employees of the establishment. As shown in the figure, themodular communication devices 20 a-20 n can be headsets worn byemployees or, as described above, the modular communication devices caneach be attached proximate to, or directly on, each respective employeein a variety of different ways, as will be appreciated by those havingskill in the art.

It will be appreciated by those having skill in the art that a seconddrive-through ordering lane having second order placing equipment can beincluded in systems consistent with FIG. 3. In such systems the secondorder placing equipment including a communication post is also incommunication with the base station 16 on a different frequency that thefirst order placing equipment. In such embodiments each employeeassociated with a modular communication device can have the option ofchoosing the order placing equipment with which the modularcommunication device will be in communication with. Each modularcommunication device can have a user input device that selects theparticular order placing equipment to be in communication with.

A vehicle detection device 24 can be at or near the order placingequipment 14 that is configured to detect the arrival of a vehicle inproximity to the order placing equipment 14 and communicate thedetection notification to one or more employees. In the currentimplementation, the vehicle detection device 24 is in communication withthe base station 16, which transmits the detection notification to theone or more modular communication devices 20 a, 20 b, . . . 20 n. In oneembodiment the one or more modular communication devices 20 a, 20 b, . .. 20 n provide vehicle detection notifications through an audio signal.In another embodiment the one or more modular communication devices 20a, 20 b, . . . 20 n provide vehicle detection notifications throughillumination of a status light. Those having skill in the art willappreciate the variety of particular configurations of a vehicledetection device 24.

One or more of the employees associated with a modular communicationdevice can communicate with a customer through the order placingequipment 14 or monitor communication between the order placingequipment 14 and other employees. At least one of the employees maycommunicate with a customer in the drive-through facility using orderplacing equipment 14 to obtain an order from the customer. A portion ofthe employees can be wearing, and communicating through, one of modularcommunication devices 20 a, 20 b, . . . 20 n, and other employees canwear the remaining ones of headsets 20 a, 20 b, . . . 20 n, primarily tolisten, or monitor communication between the customer and employeetaking the order. Thus, a communication link using the firstcommunication link 18 and the second communication link 22 connectspersonnel of the establishment with a customer located at order placingequipment 14.

A number of electronics modules of the communication devices 20 a-20 ncan have different configurations to give varying functionality to eachrespective speaker carrier depending on needs of the users and thesystem. The speaker carrier can be removed from and attached to theelectronic module so as to interchange electronic modules as desired.For example, a first electronics module of a first communication device20 a can have a microphone for a first device user to communicate withthe ordering post, and a second electronics module of a secondcommunication device 20 b can omit a microphone when the second deviceuser need only monitor the communication between the first device userand the ordering post. A third device user can wear a thirdcommunication device 20 h having a third electronics module with amicrophone through which the third device user can communicate with atleast the first device user. In such a system, the first through thirdelectronic modules can be interchangeable across speaker carriers. Inanother example system configuration, each of the communication devicesin the system has a microphone so each device user can communicate withthe rest of the device users or the order placing equipment 14.

In one embodiment, an electronics module excludes a radio transceiverand, instead, receives pre-recorded media content. The pre-recordedmedia content can be relevant to education or training, in one example,dictation, in another example, and commercial content, in yet anotherexample. In such embodiments content could be loaded to the electronicsmodule through a computer-readable data storage device. In someembodiments the electronics module is configured to play particularcontent based on the proximity of the electronics module to a particularobject. This configuration could be particularly useful for trainingapplications. The electronics pod in this particular embodiment caninclude RFID technology such that when the headset is in range of aparticular object, audio content is automatically presented to the user.

FIGS. 4-6 depict another embodiment of a modular communication deviceconsistent with the technology disclosed herein. A speaker carrier 310has a speaker 312, a microphone 316, and an attachment portion 314,where the attachment portion 314 is a headset. An electronics module 320is detachably coupled to the speaker carrier 310, and the electronicsmodule 320 has driving circuitry 322, a first user input device 424 asecond user input device 425, and one or more status lights 430.

A battery 324 is received at least by the electronics module 320 and isin electrical communication with the electronics module 320. In otherembodiments, the battery is received by the speaker carrier 310 or isreceived between the speaker carrier 310 and the electronics module 320.

In some embodiments, the battery 324 has a user input device 323 thatcan be used to check the battery status. After depressing or otherwiseactivating the user input device 323, an indicator of the battery levelis displayed. In one embodiment, the status of the battery is displayedby a light bar on the divider element 428 on the housing 326 of theelectronics module 320. In another embodiment, the user input device tocheck battery status is on a different part of the electronics module320 such as not located on the battery 324.

As mentioned above, the attachment portion 314 in the embodiment ofFIGS. 4-6 is configured as a headset. The attachment portion 314 has ahead strap, which can be made from plastic, metal, from a metal bandwithin a plastic housing, or any other material known in the art, andwhich defines an inner annular surface 410 of the attachment portion 314that is configured to be received by the head of a device user. Aprotective slider 420 slidably couples to one end of the head strap andhas a head cushion 422 to accommodate a device user. An identificationelement 440 (shown only on FIG. 6) can be disposed on the outer surfaceof the protective slider 420 to identify the particular modularcommunication device 300. A speaker mount 344 is coupled to the oppositeend of the attachment portion 314 that is configured to hold the speaker312. The speaker 312 has an ear cushion disposed thereon, in a varietyof embodiments, which is the most easily visible in FIGS. 4-6. Thespeaker component itself is centered within the speaker cushion andcontained within the speaker mount 344.

The microphone (not visible from this view) is disposed along the boom318, and the boom 318 is received by the speaker mount 344. A boomenclosure 317 is disposed towards the distal end of the boom 318 whichhouses one or more status lights 432. The boom enclosure 317 can beconstructed of a variety of materials known in the art such aspolycarbonate, as one example. The status lights 432 can be one or morelight emitting diodes (LEDs) in a variety of embodiments. The speaker312, microphone and status lights 432 are in electrical communicationwith the electronics module 320.

The communication device can be configured so that one of the statuslights 432 is illuminated in response to a vehicle being detected by avehicle detection device located in proximity to the order placingequipment. In one embodiment, when a vehicle is first detected, thestatus light 432 illuminates briefly to indicate that a vehicle hasarrived and has not yet been greeted. After the vehicle has been greetedby an employee using a communication device, the status light 432changes to a solid color. After the vehicle has left the order post,which occurs after the order has been communicated to an employee, thestatus light 432 is no longer illuminated.

The electronics module 320 is detachably coupled to the speaker carrier310. In some embodiments, the electronics module 320 is detachable fromthe speaker carrier 310 and attachable to the speaker carrier withoutthe use of tools, utilizing one or more mechanical snap-fit connections.In one embodiment of a snap fit connection, the housing component 326 ofthe electronics module 320 includes a tab 330 which is received by acorresponding cavity in the speaker carrier 310. The top part of thehousing 326 is angled toward the speaker carrier 310 while the tab 330is inserted into the cavity of the speaker carrier 310. Then the rest ofthe housing 326 is pressed against the speaker carrier 310 and matingstructures cooperate to snap into place to hold the electronics module320 onto the speaker carrier 310. A release latch is provided on eitherthe housing 326 or the speaker carrier 310 to release the snap-fitconnection.

Now referring to the exploded view of FIG. 6, a circuit board 322 isdisposed in the electronics module housing 326, between an inner housingcomponent 326 a and an outer housing component 326 b. The first andsecond user input devices 424, 425 are in electrical communication withthe circuit board 322. The inner housing component 326 a and the outerhousing component 326 b mutually engage to contain the circuit board 322and retain contact between the user input device(s) 424, 425 and thecircuit board 322.

The outer housing component 326 b defines a first access opening 350through which the first user input device 424 can be accessed by thedevice user. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, the first user input device424 is a touch-surface through which a user can change the operatingchannel of the transceiver. In a variety of embodiments, the first userinput device 424 is in communication with one or more capacitiveswitches. As such, the first user input device 424 can be recessed toprevent unintended contact with the user input device 424 during normalhandling. In one example depicted in FIGS. 4-6, the first access opening350 is divided into three spaces by a divider element 428. In oneembodiment, one of the spaces is a user input device to change theoperating channel to be a radio frequency used for a first drive-throughlane of the restaurant. One of the spaces is a user input device tochange the operating channel to a radio frequency used for a seconddrive-through lane of a restaurant. The third space is a user inputdevice to page other users of the communication system. In otherembodiments, one of the user input devices is for powering thecommunications device 300 on or off and for other control aspects.

The outer housing component 326 b defines a second access opening 352through which the second user input device 425 can be accessed by thedevice user. The second user input device 425 is a touch-surface similarto the first user input device 424. As such, the second user inputdevice 425 can have one or more capacitive switches in communicationtherewith. In one embodiment, the second user input device 425 can beused by a user to change the speaker volume. For example, a top half ofthe touch surface exposed within the first access opening 350 can be avolume up adjustment while the other half is a volume down adjustment.Another status light 430 can be disposed within the divider element 428and be in electrical contact with the circuit board and configured to bevisible to third parties, in some embodiments. The electronics module320 is further configured to receive a battery 324 and retain thebattery 324 in a battery compartment and in electrical communicationwith the circuit board 322. In one embodiment, the inner housingcomponent 326 a of the electronics module 320 is configured to receivethe battery 32. In another embodiment, the outer housing component 326 bis configured to receive the battery 324.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic of one example of circuitry for an examplemodular communication device 500. The speaker carrier 510 is attachableto and detachable from an electronics module 520. The speaker carrier510 includes connection devices 522, 523 that mate with connectiondevices 524, 525 on the electronics module 520. In one embodiment, theconnection devices 522, 523,524, 525 connect electrically andmechanically to establish electrical communication between thecomponents of the electronics module and the components of the speakercarrier 510. Electrical contacts are one example of a connection device.In a variety of embodiments, one of the speaker carrier 510 connectiondevices 522 is configured to transmit analog signals and the other ofthe speaker carrier 510 connection devices 523 is configured to transmitdigital signals. Correspondingly, each of the electronics module 520connection devices 524, 525 is configured to operatively couple to oneof the speaker carrier 510 connection devices 522, 523, respectively.

The speaker carrier 510 has a speaker 530 and a microphone 534, eachelectrically coupled to one or more of the connection devices 522, 523.In some embodiments, the microphone 534 is a pair of dual matchedmicrophones. In some embodiments, the device 500 does not include amicrophone, and in some embodiments there are two speakers provided forpositioning one near each of the user's ears. The speaker carrier 510also has a controller 526 that is in communication with one or moreindicator lights 536 and a programming module 538. The controller 526 isgenerally the driver for the indicator lights 536 and can include aninter-integrated circuit (I²C). The programming module 538 may includean authentication protocol for ensuring that the speaker carrier 510only operates when it is connected to the correct electronics module520. The authentication protocol can be, for example, an algorithmicinquiry that requires a particular response algorithm from theelectronics module 520. In one embodiment, the electronics module 520 isprogrammed to power off if a speaker carrier is attached that is notalgorithmically compatible with the authentication protocol. Thecontroller 526 is also in communication with the connection devices 522,523 and can receive signals from the electronics module 520 via theconnection devices 522, 523.

The electronics module 520 includes a transceiver 552 which is capableof wireless communication with a base station, for example, to transmitaudio signals to the speaker 530 of the speaker carrier 510 via theconnection devices 522 and/or 524. In one embodiment, the transceiver552 receives wireless communication by radio frequency communication.Multiple channels may be obtained using multiple frequencies,time-division multiple access (TDMA), code-division multiple access(CDMA) or other commonly known and available technologies. Thetransceiver 552 is configured to communicate with a base station asdiscussed above in relation to FIG. 3. The transceiver 552 and thecontroller 550 act as a speaker driver to provide audio signals to thespeaker 530 of the speaker carrier 510.

The transceiver 552 can be configured to receive other data, as well.For example, in the context of a quick service restaurant, notificationthat a vehicle has been detected at an ordering post can be received bythe transceiver 552 and an appropriate notification can then be sent tothe device user. In one embodiment such notification can be audiothrough the speaker. In another embodiment such notification can betactile through vibrations, which will be discussed below. In yetanother embodiment such notification can be visual through illuminationof one or more status lights 536 that are in communication with thetransceiver 552. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that thetransceiver 552 can be a single transceiver compatible with multipletypes of data or can be one or more transceivers that are eachcompatible with one or more types of data.

In one embodiment, the modular communication device 500 does not includean audio transceiver and is instead used to provide playback of audiocontent, voice recording or both functions to a user. Playback of audiocontent using a modular communication device 500 can be particularlyuseful in the context of training and education or for entertainmentpurposes. For example, the device 500 could play specific educational ortraining content depending on the proximity of the user to a certainobject or piece of equipment. In another embodiment, the content of theplayback could be determined based on user input. In an embodimentwithout a transceiver, the memory 558 and a controller 550 act as aspeaker driver to provide audio signals to the speaker 530 of thespeaker carrier 510.

The electronics module 520 also includes a controller 550 which is incommunication with the digital connection device 525 and to one or moreuser input devices 554 which can be configured to control variousaspects of the communication device such as transmission channel orvolume. In a variety of embodiments, one or more sub-processors are incommunication with the user input devices 554 that are configured tosend activation data to the controller, such as the location of theactivation. In one embodiment, the system provides an audio signal tothe user through the speaker 530 whenever one of the user input devices554 are activated, such as a low audio tone when the volume is adjustedor another user input device 554 is used. In another embodiment, thesystem provides tactile feedback to the user when a user input device isactivated, such as through vibration. In such an embodiment an actuatoris incorporated in the system that is in communication with thecontroller 550. An actuator can also be configured to provide tactilefeedback upon receipt of user notifications, such as vehicle detectionat an ordering post in a quick service restaurant, as discussed above.

The controller 550 is also in communication with a programming module556. The programming module 556 can include an authentication protocolfor ensuring that the electronics module 520 only operates when it isconnected to a compatible correct speaker carrier 510. In an embodimentdistinguishable from the authentication configuration discussed withreference to the speaker carrier 510, the programming module 556 isconfigured to provide an authentication inquiry that requires aparticular response algorithm from the speaker carrier 510. In such anembodiment the speaker carrier programming module 538 is configured toprovide a particular response algorithm to the electronics module 520.Other authentication configurations are also contemplated. Also, theprogramming module 556 of the electronics module 520 can include anauthentication protocol for a battery, as well.

The controller 550 may also be in communication with a memory component558. The memory component 558 can store audio files, for example, toenable voice recording and content for playback. Audio content can beloaded to the memory component 558 using a data interface 560, such as aUSB connection or cable connection.

In one embodiment the electronics module can include an accelerometer tosense when the modular communication device 500 is in use. In suchembodiments the accelerometer can be in communication with theelectronics module 520 controller 550 to automatically turn the deviceon and off when particular conditions are met. For example, the modularcommunication device 500 can be turned on automatically when the deviceis moved, for example.

It will be appreciated by those having skill in the art that the variousfunctionality incorporated in the electronics module can be incorporatedinto one or more integrated circuits.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and theappended claims, the phrase “configured” describes a system, apparatus,or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform aparticular task or adopt a particular configuration. The phrase“configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases suchas “arranged”, “arranged and configured”, “constructed and arranged”,“constructed”, “manufactured and arranged”, and the like.

All publications and patent applications in this specification areindicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention pertains. All publications and patent applications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated by reference.

This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of thepresent subject matter. It is to be understood that the abovedescription is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

We claim:
 1. A communication system comprising: two or more modularcommunication devices, each modular communication device comprising: aspeaker carrier comprising a speaker and an attachment portionconfigured to attach to a user; and an electronics module comprising ahousing and a wireless transceiver disposed in the housing; wherein thespeaker carrier and the housing of the electronics module are detachablycoupled such that the wireless transceiver of the electronics module andthe speaker of the speaker carrier are detachably coupled; and a basestation comprising a wireless transceiver for enabling communicationbetween the two or more modular communication devices.
 2. Thecommunication system of claim 1, further comprising a user input devicefor changing a channel of the wireless transceiver.
 3. The communicationsystem of claim 2, the electronics module comprising the user inputdevice.
 4. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the speakercarrier further comprises a microphone.
 5. The communication system ofclaim 4, wherein the speaker carrier further comprises a boom with themicrophone disposed thereon.
 6. The communication system of claim 1,wherein the speaker carrier further comprises one or more status lights.7. The communication system of claim 6, wherein one of the one or morestatus lights is in communication with the transceiver and is configuredto illuminate when the transceiver receives a vehicle detectionnotification.
 8. The communication system of claim 1, wherein thespeaker carrier further comprises a circuit board and a microcontroller.9. The communication system of claim 8, wherein the speaker carrierfurther comprises an authentication protocol.
 10. A modularcommunication device comprising: a speaker carrier comprising a speakerand an attachment portion; an electronics module comprising a wirelesstransceiver; wherein the speaker carrier and the electronics module aredetachably coupled so that the electronics module provides audio signalsto the speaker when the speaker carrier and electronics module arecoupled; wherein the speaker carrier can be removed from and attached tothe electronic module; wherein the modular communication devicecomprises a user input device for changing a channel of the wirelesstransceiver.
 11. The modular communication device of claim 10, whereinthe electronics module further comprises a status light.
 12. The modularcommunication device of claim 10, wherein the electronics module furthercomprises an authentication protocol.
 13. The modular communicationdevice of claim 10, wherein the electronics module further comprisesmultimedia playback memory.
 14. The modular communication device ofclaim 10, wherein the electronics module further comprises a USBinterface.
 15. The modular communication device of claim 10, wherein theelectronics module further comprises audio recording memory and videorecording memory.
 16. The modular communication device of claim 10,further comprising an actuator configured to provide tactile feedback toa device user upon receipt of a vehicle detection notification.
 17. Themodular communication device of claim 10, wherein the attachment portioncomprises one of the group of a belt attachment structure, an attachmentportion configured to couple to a stationary structure, a lanyard and aheadband.
 18. The modular communication device of claim 10 wherein thespeaker carrier further comprises a microphone.
 19. An electronicsmodule comprising: a housing having one or more mating electricalcontacts on a mating surface, where the mating surface is configured toreceive a speaker carrier; a controller disposed in the housing, whereinthe controller is in communication with the one or more matingelectrical contacts; and an authentication protocol in communicationwith the controller, wherein the authentication protocol is configuredto authenticate the speaker carrier.
 20. The electronics module of claim19, further comprising a transceiver in communication with thecontroller.
 21. The electronics module of claim 19, further comprising acapacitive switch in communication with the controller; and a user inputdevice in communication with the capacitive switch.